The Election Day turkey dinner is a nonpartisan tradition at Saranac Lake’s First United Methodist Church. The 2018 Election Day evening’s food was plentiful, and the hall was packed. Boy Scouts and alpine ski racers were waiters. At left is Paul Pillis, and at right is Mark McCarty. (Enterprise photo — Peter Crowley)

SARANAC LAKE — The First United Methodist Church of Saranac Lake is in the midst of getting ready for its annual Election Day Turkey Supper next week.

With the church’s newly-renovated kitchen, organizers say they’re expecting this year’s dinner to be the best one yet.

This year, diners will be able to eat-in once again. Take-outs and delivery will still be available. Those interested should call 518-572-2075 for delivery orders. The supper is Nov. 7 and serving begins at 4:45 p.m.

For around 100 years, the church has hosted a fundraising event which was called a Harvest Dinner, the annual Turkey Dinner and now, the Election Day Turkey Dinner. The events began during the early days of the church, when there was a need for extra funds for projects such as the construction of a parsonage, eventually building the first Methodist Episcopal Church on Main Street, and in 1925, when the work on the church’s current building began.

These suppers were the work of the Ladies Aid Society, although today, everyone helps in one way or another — even some community members. Over the years, the Ladies Aid Society had several name changes and most recently became United Women in Faith — still being supported by members and friends working together.

“This event is special in the eyes of the church as well as the community,” a news release from the church reads. “Many look forward to coming and meeting old friends and new.”